Heteroleptic transition metal-carbene complexes and their use in organic light-emitting diodes

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to heteroleptic carbene complexes comprising at least two different carbene ligands, to a process for preparing the heteroleptic carbene complexes, to the use of the heteroleptic carbene complexes in organic light-emitting diodes, to organic light-emitting diodes comprising at least one inventive heteroleptic carbene complex, to a light-emitting layer comprising at least one inventive heteroleptic carbene complex, to organic light-emitting diodes comprising at least one inventive light-emitting layer, and to devices which comprise at least one inventive organic light-emitting diode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/296,112, filed Oct. 6, 2008, which is a national stage of PCT/EP07/53213, filed Apr. 3, 2007, which claims priority to European Application No. 06112228.9, filed Apr. 5, 2006, each of which applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to heteroleptic carbene complexes comprising at least two different carbene ligands, to a process for preparing the heteroleptic carbene complexes, to the use of the heteroleptic carbene complexes in organic light-emitting diodes, to organic light-emitting diodes comprising at least one inventive heteroleptic carbene complex, to a light-emitting layer comprising at least one inventive heteroleptic carbene complex, to organic light-emitting diodes comprising at least one inventive light-emitting layer, and to devices which comprise at least one inventive organic light-emitting diode.

In organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the property of materials to emit light when they are excited by electrical current is exploited. OLEDs are of interest especially as an alternative to cathode ray tubes and liquid-crystal displays for the production of flat visual display units. Owing to the very compact design and the intrinsically low electricity consumption, the devices comprising OLEDs are especially suitable for mobile applications, for example for uses in cell phones, laptops, etc.

The basic principles of the functioning of OLEDs and suitable assemblies (layers) of OLEDs are specified, for example, in WO 2005/113704 and the literature cited therein.

The prior art has already proposed numerous materials which emit light on excitation by electrical current.

WO 2005/019373 for the first time discloses the use of uncharged transition metal complexes which comprise at least one carbene ligand in OLEDs. According to WO 2005/019373, these transition metal complexes can be used in any layer of an OLED, the ligand structure or central metal being variable for adjustment to the desired properties of the transition metal complexes. For example, the use of the transition metal complexes in a blocking layer for electrons, a blocking layer for excitons, a blocking layer for holes, or the light-emitting layer of the OLED is possible, preference being given to using the transition metal complexes as emitter molecules in OLEDs.

WO 2005/113704 relates to luminescent compounds which bear carbene ligands. WO 2005/113704 specifies numerous transition metal complexes with different carbene ligands, preference being given to using the transition metal complexes as phosphorescent light-emitting material, more preferably as a doping substance.

Even though compounds suitable for use in OLEDs, especially as light-emitting substances, are already known, the provision of more efficient compounds which are useable industrially is desirable. In the context of the present application, the electroluminescence refers both to electrofluorescence and to electrophosphorescence.

It is therefore an object of the present application to provide novel carbene complexes which are suitable for use in OLEDs. In particular, the provision of transition metal complexes which exhibit electroluminescence with good efficiencies is desirable.

Furthermore, the novel carbene complexes shall enable “color fine-tuning” with simultaneously good efficiency.

This object is achieved by the provision of heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula (I) M¹[carbene]_(n)  (I)

comprising at least two different carbene ligands,

in which the symbols are each defined as follows:

-   M¹ is a metal atom selected from the group consisting of Ir, Co, Rh,     Ni, Pd, Pt, Fe, Ru, Os, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Cu and Au, preferably     Ir, Os, Ru, Rh, Pd, Co and Pt, more preferably Ir, Pt, Rh and Os, in     any oxidation state possible for the corresponding metal atom; -   n is the number of carbene ligands, where n is at least 2;

where n is dependent on the oxidation state and coordination number of the metal atom used and on the denticity and on the charge of the carbene ligands;

carbene is a carbene ligand of the general formula (II)

where the symbols in the carbene ligand of the general formula II are each defined as follows:

-   Do¹ is a donor atom selected from the group consisting of C, P, N,     O, S and Si, preferably P, N, O and S; -   Do² is a donor atom selected from the group consisting of C, N, P, O     and S; -   r is 2 when Do¹ is C or Si, is 1 when Do¹ is N or P, and is 0 when     Do¹ is O or S; -   s is 2 when Do² is C, is 1 when Do² is N or P, and is 0 when Do² is     O or S; -   X is a spacer selected from the group consisting of silylene,     alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹³,     PR¹⁴, BR¹⁵, O, S, SO, SO₂, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(w), where     one or more nonadjacent (CR¹⁶R¹⁷) groups may be replaced by NR¹³,     PR¹⁴, BR¹⁵, O, S, SO, SO₂, CO, CO—O, O—CO; -   w is from 2 to 10; -   R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷ are each -   H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl; -   p is 0 or 1; -   q is 0 or 1; -   Y¹, Y² are each independently hydrogen or a carbon group selected     from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl and     alkenyl groups; or     -   Y¹ and Y² together form a bridge between the donor atom Do¹ and         the nitrogen atom N, said bridge having at least two atoms of         which at least one is a carbon atom, -   R¹, R² are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,     alkynyl or alkenyl radicals, or     -   R¹ and R² together form a bridge having a total of from three to         five atoms, of which from 1 to 5 atoms may be heteroatoms and         the remaining atoms are carbon atoms, so that the group

-   -   forms a five- to seven-membered ring which, if appropriate—in         addition to the double bond already present—may have one further         double bond or—in the case of a six- or seven-membered ring—two         further double bonds, and may optionally be substituted by alkyl         or aryl groups and/or groups with donor or acceptor action, and         may optionally comprise at least one heteroatom, and the five-         to seven-membered ring may optionally be fused to one or more         further rings, preferably six-membered aromatic rings;

in addition, Y¹ and R¹ may be bonded to one another via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

x is from 2 to 10; and

R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl;

R³ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical;

wherein the at least 2 carbene ligands have different definitions of Y³, where Y³ in at least one first carbene ligand (IIa) is defined as follows:

hydrogen, an alkyl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical,

where, when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2, the two Y³ radicals are each as defined above; and

Y³ in at least one second carbene ligand (IIb) is defined as follows:

where Do^(2′), q′, s′, R^(3′), R^(1′), R², X′ and p′ are each independently as defined for Do², q, s, R³, R¹, R², X and p, and

when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2, at least one of the two Y³ radicals is as defined above; the second Y³ radical may be as defined above or be defined as specified for Y³ with regard to the first carbene ligand; and

Y³ in a third or further carbene ligand in heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula I in which n is >2 is either as defined in the first carbene ligand (IIa) or as defined in the second carbene ligand (IIb);

in addition, Y³ and Y² in each of the n carbene ligands may be bonded to one another via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR²⁵, PR²⁶, BR²⁷, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³²R³³, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²⁸R²⁹)_(y), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²⁸R²⁹) groups may be replaced by NR²⁵, PR²⁶, BR²⁷, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³²R³³, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

y is from 2 to 10; and

R²⁵, R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁸, R²⁹, R³², R³³

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl.

In the case that Do¹ is O or S, the carbene ligand of the general formula II is thus an unsymmetrical carbene ligand in the context of the present application.

The inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I are thus notable in that they have at least two different carbene ligands (at least one first carbene ligand IIa and at least one second carbene ligand IIb). Depending on the oxidation state and coordination number of the metal atom M¹ used and on the denticity and on the charge of the carbene ligands, further carbene ligands may be present in the inventive heteroleptic carbene complex as well as the first carbene ligand IIa and the second carbene ligand IIb. The structure of these carbene ligands may correspond either to the structure of the first carbene ligand IIa or to the structure of the second carbene ligand IIb, where the substitution patterns of the individual carbene ligands may be different.

The first carbene ligand IIa is also referred to hereinafter as “unsymmetrical carbene ligand”, while the second carbene ligand IIb is referred to as “symmetrical carbene ligand”. In the context of the present application, a symmetrical carbene ligand should not be understood to mean that the substituent Y³ must be identical to the group bonded to the nitrogen atom of the carbene ligand shown in the general formula II, or that Do¹ must be N, and/or Y¹ and Y² must be identical or together must form an exactly symmetrical radical. The substitution patterns of the individual groups may quite possibly be different.

In the context of the present application, a symmetrical carbene ligand is understood to mean a carbene ligand in which the base structure of the substituent Y³ corresponds to the base structure of the group bonded to the nitrogen atom in the carbene ligand of the general formula II, where the substitution patterns of the groups may be different.

It has been found that the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes which comprise at least one symmetrical carbene ligand (second carbene ligand IIb) and at least one unsymmetrical carbene ligand (first carbene ligand IIa), compared to corresponding complexes which have identical carbene ligands, are notable in that the different ligands (symmetrical and unsymmetrical carbene ligands in one carbene complex) can achieve fine adjustment of the emission color, i.e. a mixture of the colors of the corresponding pure carbene complexes with only one type of ligand in each case, the photoluminescence quantum yields of the mixed complexes surprisingly not being between the quantum yields of the pure complexes but rather just as high as in the more efficient of the pure complexes. It has thus been found that, surprisingly, the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula I allow the emission color to be adjusted without a deterioration in the quantum yield in the direction of the quantum yield of the less efficient complex.

Depending on the coordination number of the metal M¹ used and the number of carbene ligands and non-carbene ligands used, different isomers of the corresponding metal complexes may be present for the same metal M¹ and the same nature of the carbene ligands and non-carbene ligands used. For example, in the case of complexes with a metal M¹ of coordination number 6 (i.e. octahedral complexes), for example Ir(III) complexes, “fac-mer isomers” (facial/meridional isomers) are possible when the complexes are of the general composition M(AB)₂(CD) where AB and CD are bidentate ligands. In the context of the present application, “fac-mer isomers” refer to the isomers shown below:

In square-planar complexes with a metal M¹ of coordination number 4, for example Pt(II) complexes, “isomers” are possible when the complexes are of the general composition M(AB)(CD) where AB and CD are bidentate ligands. In the context of the present application, “isomers” are understood to mean the isomers shown below:

The symbols A and B, and C and D, are each one binding site of a ligand, only bidentate ligands being present. According to the aforementioned general composition, a bidentate ligand has an A group and a B group, or a C group and a D group.

It is known in principle to those skilled in the art what is meant by cis/trans and fac-mer isomers. In complexes of the composition MA₃B₃, three groups of the same type can either occupy the corners of an octahedral face (facial isomer) or a meridian, i.e. two of the three ligand binding sites are trans relative to one another (meridional isomer). With regard to the definition of cis/trans isomers and fac-mer isomers in octahedral metal complexes, see, for example, J. Huheey, E. Keiter, R. Keiter, Anorganische Chemie: Prinzipien von Struktur und Reaktivitát [Inorganic chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity], 2nd, newly revised edition, translated into German and expanded by Ralf Steudel, Berlin; New York: de Gruyter, 1995, pages 575, 576.

In square-planar complexes, cis isomerism means that, in complexes of the composition MA₂B₂, both the two A groups and the two B groups occupy adjacent corners of a square, while both the two A groups and the two B groups in trans isomerism each occupy the two mutually diagonal corners of a square. With regard to the definition of cis/trans isomers in square-planar metal complexes, see, for example, J. Huheey, E. Keiter, R. Keiter, Anorganische Chemie: Prinzipien von Struktur und Reaktivität, 2nd, newly revised edition, translated into German and expanded by Ralf Steudel, Berlin; New York: de Gruyter, 1995, pages 557 to 559.

In general, the different isomers of the metal complexes of the formula I can be separated by processes known to those skilled in the art, for example by chromatography, sublimation or crystallization.

The present invention therefore relates in each case both to the individual isomers of the carbene complexes of the formula I and to mixtures of different isomers in any mixing ratio.

The inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula I more preferably have a metal atom M¹ selected from the group consisting of Ir, Os, Rh and Pt, preference being given to Os(II), Rh(III), Ir(III) and Pt(II). Particular preference is given to Ir(III).

The number n of carbene ligands of the general formula II in the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I in which the transition metal atom Ir(III) has a coordination number of 6 is generally 3, i.e. a first (unsymmetrical) carbene ligand (IIa), a second (symmetrical) carbene ligand (IIb) and a third carbene ligand of the general formula II which is either symmetrical or unsymmetrical.

The number n of carbene ligands in transition metal complexes in which the transition metal atom Pt(II) has a coordination number of 4 is 2, i.e. a first (unsymmetrical) carbene ligand (IIa), a second (symmetrical) carbene ligand (IIb).

For the Y¹ and Y² groups, in the context of the present application (both for symmetrical and for unsymmetrical carbene ligands):

the substituents of the Y¹ and Y² groups may together form a bridge having a total of from two to four, preferably from two to three, atoms, of which one or two atoms may be heteroatoms, preferably N, and the remaining atoms are carbon atoms, so that the NCDo¹ moiety, together with this bridge, form a five- to seven-membered, preferably five- to six-membered, ring which may optionally have two or—in the case of a six- or seven-membered ring—three double bonds and may optionally be substituted by alkyl or aryl groups and/or groups with donor or acceptor action, and may optionally comprise heteroatoms, preferably N, preference being given to a five-membered or six-membered aromatic ring which is substituted by alkyl or aryl groups and/or groups with donor or acceptor action or is unsubstituted, or the preferred five-membered or six-membered aromatic ring is fused to further rings which may optionally comprise at least one heteroatom, preferably N, preferably six-membered aromatic rings.

The Y¹ group may be bonded to the R¹ radical via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

Alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x) where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

x is from 2 to 10; and

R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl.

In the case that Y¹ and Y² together form a bridge to form a five- to seven-membered ring, the bridge which bonds it to the R¹ radical may be bonded directly to the five- to seven-membered ring or be bonded to a substituent of this ring, preference being given to a direct bond to the five- to seven-membered ring. The atom directly adjacent to the nitrogen atom (in the general formula II) of the five- to seven-membered ring is more preferably bonded to R¹ via a bridge when such a bond is present (see, for example, the bridged structures hereinafter). In the case that the five- to seven-membered ring formed by a common bridge of Y¹ and Y² is fused to a further five- to seven-membered ring, the joining bridge can be bonded to an atom of the fused ring (see, for example, the bridged structures hereinafter).

Preferred bridged structures are specified hereinafter by way of example for symmetrical and unsymmetrical carbene ligands. The groups shown in the ligand systems shown may, for example, bear substituents, or one or more CH groups in the aromatic groups shown may be replaced by heteroatoms. It is likewise possible that the carbene ligands have a plurality of identical or different bridges. The bridges shown may also occur in other ligand systems used in accordance with the invention, for example in the ligand systems of the formulae IIaa to IIae and IIba to IIbe mentioned below.

Examples of unsymmetrical carbene ligands with bridged structures:

Examples of symmetrical carbene ligands with bridged structures:

The R¹⁸, R²¹, R²², R³⁰ and R³¹ radicals have already been defined above.

In the context of the present application, the terms aryl radical or group, heteroaryl radical or group, alkyl radical or group, and alkenyl radical or group, and alkynyl radical or group are each defined as follows:

An aryl radical (or group) is understood to mean a radical with a base structure of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, which is formed from an aromatic ring or a plurality of fused aromatic rings. Suitable base structures are, for example, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl or phenanthrenyl. This base structure may be unsubstituted (i.e. all carbon atoms which are substitutable bear hydrogen atoms) or be substituted at one, more than one or all substitutable positions of the base structure. Suitable substituents are, for example, alkyl radicals, preferably alkyl radicals having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably methyl, ethyl or i-propyl, aryl radicals, preferably C₆-aryl radicals, which may in turn be substituted or unsubstituted, heteroaryl radicals, preferably heteroaryl radicals which comprise at least one nitrogen atom, more preferably pyridyl radicals, alkenyl radicals, preferably alkenyl radicals which bear a double bond, more preferably alkenyl radicals having a double bond and from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or groups with donor or acceptor action. Suitable groups with donor or acceptor action are specified below. Most preferably, the aryl radicals bear substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, Cl, CN, aryloxy and alkoxy, sulfonyl, heteroaryl. The aryl radical or the aryl group is preferably a C₆-C₁₈-aryl radical, more preferably a C₆-aryl radical, which is optionally substituted by at least one of the aforementioned substituents. The C₆-C₈-aryl radical, preferably C₆-aryl radical, more preferably has one or two of the aforementioned substituents, where, in the case of a C₆-aryl radical, one substituent may be arranged in the ortho, meta or para position to the further bonding site of the aryl radical, and—in the case of two substituents—they may each be arranged in the meta position or ortho position to the further bonding site of the aryl radical, or one radical is arranged in the ortho position and one radical in the meta position, or one radical is arranged in the ortho or meta position and the further radical is arranged in the para position.

A heteroaryl radical or a heteroaryl group is understood to mean radicals which differ from the aforementioned aryl radicals in that at least one carbon atom in the base structure of the aryl radicals is replaced by a heteroatom. Preferred heteroatoms are N, O and S. Most preferably, one or two carbon atoms of the base structure of the aryl radicals are replaced by heteroatoms. Especially preferably, the base structure is selected from systems such as pyridine and five-membered heteroaromatics such as pyrrole, furan, pyrazole, imidazole, thiophene, oxazole, thiazole. The base structure may be substituted at one, more than one or all substitutable positions of the base structure. Suitable substituents are the same as have already been mentioned for the aryl groups.

An alkyl radical or an alkyl group is understood to mean a radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. This alkyl radical may be branched or unbranched and optionally be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, preferably Si, N, O or S, more preferably N, O or S. In addition, this alkyl radical may be substituted by one or more of the substituents mentioned for the aryl groups. It is likewise possible that the alkyl radical bears one or more (hetero)aryl groups. In this context, all of the (hetero)aryl groups listed above are suitable. The alkyl radicals are more preferably selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl; very particular preference is given to methyl and isopropyl.

An alkenyl radical or an alkenyl group is understood to mean a radical which corresponds to the aforementioned alkyl radicals having at least two carbon atoms, with the difference that at least one C—C single bond of the alkyl radical has been replaced by a C—C double bond. The alkenyl radical preferably has one or two double bonds.

An alkynyl radical or an alkynyl group is understood to mean a radical which corresponds to the aforementioned alkyl radicals having at least two carbon atoms, with the difference that at least one C—C single bond of the alkyl radical has been replaced by a C—C triple bond. The alkynyl radical preferably has one or two triple bonds.

In the context of the present application, the terms alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene and alkenylene are each as defined for the alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl and alkenyl radicals, with the difference that the alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene and alkenylene groups each have two binding sites to atoms of the ligand of the formula II.

A bridge which is formed from Y¹ and Y² and has at least two atoms, of which at least one is a carbon atom, and the further atoms are preferably nitrogen or carbon atoms, where the bridge may be saturated or preferably unsaturated and the at least two atoms of the bridge may be substituted or unsubstituted, is preferably understood to mean the following groups:

-   -   A bridge which has two carbon atoms or one carbon atom and one         nitrogen atom, where the carbon atoms or one carbon atom and one         nitrogen atom are bonded to one another by a double bond, so         that the bridge has one of the following formulae, where the         bridge preferably has two carbon atoms:

-   -   R²³, R²⁴, R¹¹ and R^(11′) are each independently hydrogen,         alkyl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or a substituent with         donor or acceptor action, or     -   R²³ and R²⁴ together form a bridge having a total of from 3 to         5, preferably 4, atoms, of which from 1 to 5 may optionally be         heteroatoms, preferably N, and the remaining atoms are carbon         atoms, so that this group forms a 5- to 7-membered, preferably         six-membered, ring which optionally—in addition to the double         bond already present—may have one further double bond or—in the         case of a six- or seven-membered ring—may have two further         double bonds, and may optionally be substituted by alkyl or aryl         groups and/or groups with donor or acceptor action. Preference         is given to a six-membered aromatic ring. This may be         substituted by alkyl or aryl groups and/or groups with donor or         acceptor action, or be unsubstituted. In addition, it is         possible that one or more further aromatic rings are fused to         this preferably six-membered aromatic ring. In this context, any         conceivable fusion is possible. These fused radicals may in turn         be substituted, preferably by the radicals specified in the         general definition of the aryl radicals.     -   A bridge which has two carbon atoms, where the carbon atoms are         bonded to one another by a single bond, so that the bridge has         the following formula:

in which R⁴, R⁵, R⁶

-   and R⁷ are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, heteroaryl, alkenyl,     alkynyl, aryl or a substituent with donor or acceptor action,     preferably hydrogen, alkyl or aryl.

In the context of the present application, a group or a substituent having donor or acceptor action is understood to mean the following groups:

Groups with donor action are understood to mean groups which have a +I and/or +M effect, and groups with acceptor action are understood to mean groups which have a −I and/or −M effect. Suitable groups with donor or acceptor action are halogen radicals, preferably F, Cl, Br, more preferably F, alkoxy radicals, aryloxy radicals, carbonyl radicals, ester radicals, both oxycarbonyl and carbonyloxy, amine radicals, amide radicals, CH₂F groups, CHF₂ groups, CF₃ groups, CN groups, thio groups, sulfonic acid groups, sulfonic ester groups, boronic acid groups, boronic ester groups, phosphonic acid groups, phosphonic ester groups, phosphine radicals, sulfoxide radicals, sulfonyl radicals, sulfide radicals, heteroaryl radicals, nitro groups, OCN, borane radicals, silyl groups, stannate radicals, imino groups, hydrazine radicals, hydrazone radicals, oxime radicals, nitroso groups, diazo groups, phosphine oxide groups, hydroxyl groups or SCN groups. Very particular preference is given to F, Cl, CN, aryloxy, alkoxy, sulfonyl and heteroaryl.

Both in the symmetrical carbene ligands (IIb) and in the unsymmetrical carbene ligands (IIa), the moiety

is preferably selected from the group consisting of

in which the symbols are each defined as follows:

-   Z″ are each independently CR¹⁰ or N; preferably, from 0 to 3 of the     Z″ groups are N, more preferably from 0 to 2, most preferably 0 or     1, where the remaining Z″ groups are CR¹⁰; -   R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹¹ -   and R^(1′) are each hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or     alkenyl or a substituent with donor or acceptor action, preferably     hydrogen, alkyl, heteroaryl or aryl; -   R¹⁰ is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl, or in     each case 2 R¹⁰ radicals together form a fused ring which may     optionally comprise at least one heteroatom, preferably N, or R¹⁰ is     a radical with donor or acceptor action, where at least one R¹⁰     radical is preferably H, more preferably at least two R¹⁰ radicals     are each H, most preferably three or four R¹⁰ radicals are each H;

in addition, R⁴ or R⁵ in the moiety a, R⁸ in the moiety b, one of the R¹⁰ radicals in the moiety c and R¹¹ in the moiety d may be bonded to R¹ via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

x is from 2 to 10; and

R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R^(21′) R²², R³⁰, R³¹

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl,

where examples relating to bridges suitable with preference are shown above;

Y³ in at least one first carbene ligand (IIa) (unsymmetrical carbene ligand) is: hydrogen, an alkyl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical; and

Y³ in at least one second carbene ligand (IIb) (symmetrical carbene ligand) is:

where Do^(2′), q′, s′, R^(3′), R^(1′), R^(2′), X′ and p are each independently as defined for Do², q, s, R³, R¹, R², X and p.

Any further carbene ligands present in the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes (when n in the carbene complexes of the formula I is >2) may be either symmetrical or unsymmetrical.

Both in the symmetrical carbene ligands (IIb) and in the unsymmetrical carbene ligands (IIa), the moiety

of the carbene ligand of the formula II preferably has the structure

in which the symbols are each defined as follows:

-   Z are each independently CR¹² or N, where from 0 to 3 of the Z     symbols may be N, preferably from 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1,     and Z, in the case that 1 symbol Z is N, may be arranged in the o-,     m- or p-position, preferably in the o- or p-position, to the bonding     site of the moiety with the moiety

-   R¹² in the Z groups are each independently H, an alkyl, aryl,     heteroaryl, alkynyl, alkenyl radical, or in each case 2 R¹² radicals     together form a fused ring which may optionally comprise at least     one heteroatom, preferably N, or R¹² is a radical with donor or     acceptor action; preferably H or a radical with donor or acceptor     action;

in addition, the group of the structure

via the aromatic base structure or via one of the R¹² radicals may be bonded to Y¹ via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

x is from 2 to 10; and

R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl.

According to the invention, the Y³ radical in the unsymmetrical carbene ligands (IIa) is hydrogen, an alkyl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical,

where, when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2 in the carbene ligands of the general formula II, the two Y³ radicals are each as defined above. In a preferred embodiment, Do¹ is N and r 1. Preferred alkyl, alkynyl and alkenyl radicals are specified above. The Y³ radical in the unsymmetrical carbene ligands is more preferably an alkyl radical, most preferably methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl, especially preferably methyl or isopropyl.

According to the invention, the Y³ radical in the symmetrical carbene ligands (IIb) is:

where Do^(2′), q′, s′, R^(3′), R^(1′), R^(2′), X′ and p′ are each independently as defined for Do², q, s, R³, R¹, R², X and p—which have each already been defined above—and, when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2, at least one of the two Y³ radicals is as defined above; the second Y³ radical may have the aforementioned definition or be as defined for Y³ with regard to the unsymmetrical carbene ligand. In a preferred embodiment, Do¹ is N and r is 1, i.e. the Y³ radical is as defined above.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the group

in the symmetrical carbene ligands is defined as follows:

in which the symbols are each defined as follows:

-   Z′ are each independently CR^(12′) or N, where from 0 to 5 of the     symbols Z′ may each be N, preferably from 0 to 4, more preferably     from 0 to 3, most preferably from 0 to 2, especially preferably 0 or     1, and Z′, in the case that 1 symbol Z′ is N, may be arranged in the     o-, m- or p-position, preferably in the o- or p-position, to the     bonding site of the moiety with the moiety

-   R^(12′) in the Z′ groups are each independently H, an alkyl, aryl,     heteroaryl, alkynyl, alkenyl radical, or in each case 2 R^(12′)     radicals together form a fused ring which may optionally comprise at     least one heteroatom, preferably N, or R^(12′) is a radical with     donor or acceptor action; preferably H or a radical with donor or     acceptor action;

in addition, the group of the structure

via the aromatic base structure or via one of the R¹² radicals, may be bonded to Y¹ via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₀₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

x is from 2 to 10; and

R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl.

If n is >2 in the heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula I, for example n=3 when M¹=Ir(III), the further Y³ radical or radicals may either be as defined for the first (unsymmetrical) carbene ligand (IIa) or be as defined for the second (symmetrical) carbene ligand (IIb).

In addition, Y³ and Y² in each of the n carbene ligands of the general formula II may be bonded to one another via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR²⁵, PR²⁶, BR²⁷, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³²R³³, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²⁸R²⁹)_(y), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²⁸R²⁹) groups may be replaced by NR²⁵, PR²⁶, BR²⁷, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³²R³³, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

y is from 2 to 10; and

R²⁵, R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁸, R²⁹, R³², R³³

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I in which the at least one first (unsymmetrical) carbene ligand is selected from the group consisting of:

where the symbols are each defined as follows:

-   Z is the same or different and is CR¹² or N; -   Z″ is the same or different and is CR¹⁰ or N; -   R¹² are each independently H, an alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or     alkenyl radical, or in each case 2 R¹² radicals together form a     fused ring which may optionally comprise at least one heteroatom, or     R¹² is a radical with donor or acceptor action; -   R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹¹ -   and R^(11′) are each hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or     alkenyl, or a radical with donor or acceptor action; -   R¹⁰ in the Z″ groups are each independently H, alkyl, aryl,     heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl, or in each case 2 R¹⁰ radicals     together form a fused ring which may optionally comprise at least     one heteroatom, or R¹⁰ is a radical with donor or acceptor action;

in addition, the group of the structure

via the aromatic base structure or via one of the R¹² radicals, may be bonded via a bridge to R⁴ or R⁵ or the carbon atom to which R⁴ and R⁵ are bonded in the moiety aa, R⁸ or the carbon atom to which R⁸ is bonded in the moiety ab, one of the R¹⁰ radicals or one of the carbon atoms to which R¹⁰ is bonded in the moiety ac, and R¹¹ or the carbon atom to which R¹¹ is bonded in the moiety ad, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

x is from 2 to 10; and

R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹

-   -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl;

where, in the cases in which the group of the structure

is bonded via a bridge to the carbon atom to which R⁴ and R⁵ are bonded (moiety aa), the carbon atom to which R⁸ is bonded (moiety ab), one of the carbon atoms to which R¹⁰ is bonded (moiety ac) or the carbon atom to which R¹¹ is bonded (moiety ad), the particular R⁴ or R⁵ radical, R⁸, one of the R¹⁰ radicals or R¹¹ is replaced by a bond to the bridge;

-   Y³ is an alkyl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical.

In a further very particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I in which the at least one second (symmetrical) carbene ligand is selected from the group consisting of:

where the symbols are each defined as follows:

-   Z is the same or different and is CR¹² or N; -   Z′ is the same or different and is CR^(12′) or N; -   Z″ is the same or different and is CR¹⁰ or N; -   R¹², R^(12′) are the same or different and are each independently H,     an alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical, or in each     case 2 R¹² or R^(12′) radicals together form a fused ring which may     optionally comprise at least one heteroatom, or R¹² or R^(12′) is a     radical with donor or acceptor action; -   R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹¹ -   and R^(11′) are each hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or     alkenyl, or a radical with donor or acceptor action; -   R¹⁰ in the Z″ groups are each independently H, alkyl, aryl,     heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl, or in each case 2 R¹⁰ radicals     together form a fused ring which may optionally comprise at least     one heteroatom, or R¹⁰ is a radical with donor or acceptor action; -   in addition, the group of the structure

via the aromatic base structure or via one of the R¹² radicals, may be bonded via a bridge to R⁴ or R⁵ or the carbon atom to which R⁴ and R⁵ are bonded in the moiety ba, R⁸ or the carbon atom to which R⁸ is bonded in the moiety bb, one of the R¹⁰ radicals or one of the carbon atoms to which R¹⁰ is bonded in the moiety bc, and R¹ or the carbon atom to which R¹¹ is bonded in the moiety bd, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S. SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

-   x is from 2 to 10; and -   R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹     -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl;

where, in the cases in which the group of the structure

is bonded via a bridge to the carbon atom to which R⁴ and R⁵ are bonded (moiety ba), the carbon atom to which R⁸ is bonded (moiety bb), one of the carbon atoms to which R¹⁰ is bonded (moiety bc) or the carbon atom to which R¹¹ is bonded (moiety bd), the particular R⁴ or R⁵ radical, R⁸, one of the R¹⁰ radicals or R¹¹ is replaced by a bond to the bridge.

Very particular preference is given to heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I which comprise at least one first (unsymmetrical) carbene ligand of the aforementioned very particularly preferred embodiment and at least one second (symmetrical) carbene ligand of the aforementioned further very particularly preferred embodiment. When n in the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I is >2, the one further carbene ligand is, or the plurality of further carbene ligands are, in a further preferred embodiment, likewise either symmetrical or unsymmetrical carbene complexes of the aforementioned very particularly preferred embodiments.

The metal atom M¹ in the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula I is more preferably selected from the group consisting of Ir, Os, Rh and Pt, preference being given to Os(II), Rh(III), Ir(III) and Pt(II). Particular preference is given to Ir(III). Very particular preference is given to heteroleptic carbene complexes in which M¹ is Ir(III) and n is 3.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes thus have the formulae (Ii) and (Iii):

where the symbols in the carbene complexes of the general formulae (Ii) and (Iii) are each defined as follows:

-   Do¹ is a donor atom selected from the group consisting of C, P, N,     O, S and Si, preferably P, N, O and S, where, in the carbene ligand

-   -   Do¹ is not O or S;

-   Do², Do^(2′)     -   are each independently a donor atom selected from the group         consisting of C, N, P, O and S;

-   r is 2 when Do¹ is C or Si, is 1 when Do¹ is N or P, and is 0 when     Do¹ is O or S;

-   s, s′ are each 2 when Do² or Do^(2′) is C, are each 1 when Do² or     Do^(2′) is N or P, and are each 0 when Do² or Do^(2′) is O or S;

-   X, X′ are each independently spacers selected from the group     consisting of silylene, alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene,     alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹³, PR¹⁴, BR¹⁵, O, S, SO, SO₂, CO, CO—O,     O—CO and (CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(w), where one or more nonadjacent (CR¹⁶R¹⁷)     groups may be replaced by NR¹³, PR¹⁴, BR¹⁵, O, S, SO, SO₂, CO, CO—O,     O—CO;

-   w is from 2 to 10;

-   R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷     -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl;

-   p, p′ are each independently 0 or 1;

-   q, q′ are each independently 0 or 1;

-   Y¹, Y² are each independently hydrogen or a carbon group selected     from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl and     alkenyl groups; or     -   Y¹ and Y² together form a bridge between the donor atom Do¹ and         the nitrogen atom N which has at least two atoms, of which at         least one is a carbon atom,

-   R¹, R²,

-   R^(1′), R^(2′) are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl,     heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl radicals, or     -   R¹ and R² or R^(1′) and R^(2′) together form a bridge having a         total of from three to five atoms, of which 1 to 5 atoms may be         heteroatoms and the remaining atoms are carbon atoms, so that         the group

-   -   forms a five- to seven-membered ring which optionally—in         addition to the double bond already present—may have one further         double bond or—in the case of a six- or seven-membered ring—two         further double bonds, and may optionally be substituted by alkyl         or aryl groups and/or groups with donor or acceptor action, and         may optionally comprise at least one heteroatom, and the five-         to seven-membered ring may optionally be fused to one or more         further rings, preferably six-membered aromatic rings;

in addition, Y¹ and R¹ or Y² and R^(1′) may be bonded to one another via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

-   x is from 2 to 10; and -   R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹     -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl; -   R³ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl     radical; -   Y³ is hydrogen, an alkyl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical;

in addition, Y³ and Y² may be bonded to one another via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR²⁵, PR²⁶, BR²⁷, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³²R³³, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²⁸R²⁹)_(y), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²⁸R²⁹) groups may be replaced by NR²⁵, PR²⁶, BR²⁷, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³²R³³, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

-   y is from 2 to 10; and -   R²⁵, R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁸, R²⁹, R³², R³³     -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl;

where the radicals, groups and indices R¹, R², Y¹, Y², Do¹, Do², Y³, X, R³, p, q, r, s, R^(1′), R^(2′), Do^(2′), R^(3′), p′, q′, s′ in the different carbene ligands may each be the same or different.

A preferred embodiment of the invention thus relates to heteroleptic Ir(III)-carbene complexes of the formula (Ii) which have two unsymmetrical carbene ligands and one symmetrical carbene ligand, and a further preferred embodiment of the invention to heteroleptic Ir(III)-carbene complexes of the formula (Iii) which have two symmetrical carbene ligands and one unsymmetrical carbene ligand. The two unsymmetrical carbene ligands in the carbene complexes of the formula (Ii) and the two symmetrical carbene ligands in the carbene complexes of the formula (Iii) may each be the same or different. The two unsymmetrical carbene ligands in the carbene complexes of the formula (Ii) and the two symmetrical carbene ligands in the carbene complexes of the formula (Iii) are preferably the same in each case. Preferred and very particularly preferred symmetrical and preferred and very particularly preferred unsymmetrical carbene ligands have been mentioned above.

Very particularly preferred ligand combinations of the unsymmetrical ligands aa to ae and symmetrical ligands ba to be used with very particular preference in the heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formulae Ii and Iii (M¹ is Ir(III) and n is 3) are listed in the table below:

unsymmetrical symmetrical carbene ligand carbene ligand ba bb bc bd be aa   +¹⁾ + + + + ab + + + + + ac + + + + + ad + + + + + ae + + + + + ¹⁾“+” denotes possible combination of symmetrical and unsymmetrical carbene ligands

In the carbene complexes of the formula Ii, the number of unsymmetrical ligands aa to ae is 2 and the number of symmetrical ligands ba to be is 1, and, in the carbene complexes of the formula Iii, the number of unsymmetrical ligands aa to ae is 1 and the number of symmetrical ligands ba to be is 2. Very particular preference is given in particular to the following ligand combinations: unsymmetrical carbene ligand: ab—symmetrical carbene ligand: bb; unsymmetrical carbene ligand: ab—symmetrical carbene ligand: bc; unsymmetrical carbene ligand: ac—symmetrical carbene ligand: bb; unsymmetrical carbene ligand: ac—symmetrical carbene ligand: bc.

Particular preference is given to heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula Ii which have two unsymmetrical carbene ligands and one symmetrical carbene ligand of the formula II.

The inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I can in principle be prepared analogously to processes known to those skilled in the art, taking into account the fact that the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I bear at least two different carbene ligands. Suitable processes for preparing carbene complexes are detailed, for example, in the review articles W. A. Hermann et al., Advances in Organometallic Chemistry, 2001 vol. 48, 1 to 69, W. A. Hermann et al., Angew. Chem. 1997, 109, 2256 to 2282 and G. Bertrand et al. Chem. Rev. 2000, 100, 39 to 91 and the literature cited therein, and also in WO 2005/113704, WO 2005/019373 and in European application EP 06 101 109.4 which had not been published at the priority date of the present application.

In one embodiment, the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I are prepared by deprotonating ligand precursors corresponding to the carbene ligands and subsequent reaction with suitable metal complexes comprising the desired metal.

Suitable ligand precursors of the symmetrical and unsymmetrical carbene ligands are known to those skilled in the art. They are preferably cationic precursors.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula I, the preparation comprising the following step:

reaction of at least 2 ligand precursors of the general formula (III)

in which

-   Q⁻ is a monoanionic counterion, preferably halide, pseudohalide, BF₄     ⁻, BPh₄ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, AsF₆ ⁻ or SbF₆ ⁻; and -   G is H when Do²=C or q=0, and     -   is H or is a free electron pair of the heteroatom when Do²=N, S,         O or P; and

the further symbols in the ligand precursor of the general formula III are each defined as follows:

-   Do¹ is a donor atom selected from the group consisting of C, P, N,     O, S and Si, preferably P, N, O and S; -   Do² is a donor atom selected from the group consisting of C, N, P, O     and S; -   r is 2 when Do¹ is C or Si, is 1 when Do¹ is N or P, and is 0 when     Do¹ is O or S; -   s is 2 when Do² is C, is 1 when Do² is N or P, and is 0 when Do² is     O or S; -   X is a spacer selected from the group consisting of silylene,     alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹³,     PR¹⁴, BR¹⁵, O, S, SO, SO₂, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_(w), where     one or more nonadjacent (CR¹⁶R¹⁷) groups may be replaced by NR¹³,     PR¹⁴, BR¹⁵, O, S, SO, SO₂, CO, CO—O, O—CO; -   w is from 2 to 10; -   R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁷ are each     -   H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl; -   p is 0 or 1; -   q is 0 or 1; -   Y¹, Y² are each independently hydrogen or a carbon group selected     from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl and     alkenyl groups; or -   Y¹ and Y² together form a bridge between the donor atom Do¹ and the     nitrogen atom N, said bridge having at least two atoms of which at     least one is a carbon atom, -   R¹, R² are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,     alkynyl or alkenyl radicals, or     -   R¹ and R² together form a bridge having a total of from three to         five atoms, of which from 1 to 5 atoms may be heteroatoms and         the remaining atoms are carbon atoms, so that the group

-   -   forms a five- to seven-membered ring which, if appropriate—in         addition to the double bond already present—may have one further         double bond or—in the case of a six- or seven-membered ring—two         further double bonds, and may optionally be substituted by alkyl         or aryl groups and/or groups with donor or acceptor action, and         may optionally comprise at least one heteroatom, and the five-         to seven-membered ring may optionally be fused to one or more         further rings, preferably six-membered aromatic rings;

in addition, Y¹ and R¹ may be bonded to one another via a bridge, where the bridge may be defined as follows:

alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, alkynylene, alkenylene, NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO and (CR²¹R²²)_(x), where one or more nonadjacent (CR²¹R²²) groups may be replaced by NR¹⁸, PR¹⁹, BR²⁰, O, S, SO, SO₂, SiR³⁰R³¹, CO, CO—O, O—CO, where

-   x is from 2 to 10; and -   R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R³⁰, R³¹     -   are each H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl; -   R³ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl or alkenyl     radical; where

the at least 2 ligand precursors of the general formula III have different definitions of Y³, where

Y³ in at least one first ligand precursor (IIIa) is defined as follows:

hydrogen, an alkyl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical, where

when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2, the two Y³ radicals are each as defined above; and

Y³ in at least one second ligand precursor (IIIb) is defined as follows:

where Do^(2′), q′, s′, R^(3′), R^(1′), R^(2′), X′ and p′ are each independently as defined for Do², q, s, R³, R¹, R², X and p, and

when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2, at least one of the two Y³ radicals is as defined above; the second Y³ radical may be as defined above or be as defined for Y³ with regard to the first ligand precursor;

with a metal complex comprising at least one metal M^(1′), where M^(1′) is defined as follows:

-   M^(1′) is a metal atom selected from the group consisting of Ir, Co,     Rh, Ni, Pd, Pt, Fe, Ru, Os, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Cu and Au,     preferably Ir, Os, Ru, Rh, Pd, Co and Pt, more preferably Ir, Pt, Rh     and Os, in any oxidation state possible for the corresponding metal     atom.

The metal M^(1′) used is preferably Ir, more preferably Ir(I) or Ir(III).

Preferred definitions for Do¹, Y¹, Y², Do², q, s, R³, R¹, R², X and p and Do^(2′), q′, s′, R^(3′), R^(1′), R^(2′), X′ and p′ in the ligand precursors of the general formula III are the definitions specified with regard to the carbene ligands of the general formula II. Preferred ligand precursors of the formula III correspond to the preferred symmetrical (IIb) and unsymmetrical (IIa) carbene ligands.

In the context of the present application, unsymmetrical ligand precursors (IIIa) (corresponding to unsymmetrical carbene ligands) are understood to mean those ligand precursors of the general formula III in which Y³ is hydrogen, an alkyl, alkynyl or alkenyl radical, where, when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2, the two Y³ radicals are each as defined above.

Symmetrical ligand precursors (IIIb) (corresponding to symmetrical carbene ligands) are understood to mean those ligand precursors of the general formula III in which Y³ is defined as follows:

where Do^(2′), q′, s′, R^(3′), R^(1′), R², X′ and p′ are each independently as defined for Do², q, s, R³, R¹, R², X and p, and

when Do¹ is C or Si and r is 2, at least one of the two Y³ radicals is as defined above; the second Y³ radical may be as defined above or be as defined for Y³ with regard to the first ligand precursor.

The preparation of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes is in principle possible by simultaneous reaction of symmetrical and unsymmetrical ligand precursors of the general formula III with a metal complex comprising at least one metal M^(1′) (“one-pot process”) or by sequential reaction. The sequential reaction can be effected either by reacting the metal complex with a symmetrical ligand precursor (IIIb) in a first step wherein, as an intermediate, a carbene complex which has at least one symmetrical carbene ligand either of the general formula IIb or as the non-cyclometalated form, and at least one further coordination means (where the further coordination means is present either by virtue of a free coordination site on the metal M^(1′) or by virtue of the displacement of other ligands) for at least one further bidentate carbene ligand is formed, or by reacting the metal complex with an unsymmetrical ligand precursor (IIIa) in a first step wherein, as an intermediate, a carbene complex which has at least one unsymmetrical carbene ligand either of the general formula IIa or as the non-cyclometalated form, and at least one further coordination means (where the further coordination means is present either by virtue of a free coordination site on the metal M^(1′) or by virtue of the displacement of other ligands) for at least one further bidentate carbene ligand is formed. In a second step which follows the first step, the particular carbene complex obtained in the first step is reacted with an unsymmetrical carbene ligand (when a symmetrical carbene ligand has been used in the first step) or with a symmetrical carbene ligand (when an unsymmetrical carbene ligand has been used in the first step).

In the particularly preferred case that the metal M¹ in the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the formula I is Ir(III) with a coordination number of 6, a sequential reaction gives rise, for example, to the following particularly preferred possibilities:

-   (ia) Carbene complex of the general formula Ii -   (iaa) Reaction of a metal complex comprising at least one metal     M^(1′) in which the at least one metal M^(1′) is Ir with at least     double the stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of an     unsymmetrical ligand precursor (IIIa) to form a dicarbene complex     which has two unsymmetrical carbene ligands and a further     coordination site for a further bidentate carbene ligand, and -   (iab) subsequent reaction of the resulting dicarbene complex with an     at least stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of a symmetrical     ligand precursor (IIIb) to obtain a heteroleptic Ir-carbene complex     of the general formula Ii. -   (ib) Carbene complex of the general formula Ii -   (iba) Reaction of a metal complex comprising at least one metal     M^(1′) in which the at least one metal M^(1′) is Ir with an at least     stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of a symmetrical ligand     precursor (IIIb) to form a monocarbene complex which has a     symmetrical carbene ligand and two further coordination sites for     two further bidentate carbene ligands, and -   (ibb) subsequent reaction of the resulting monocarbene complex with     at least double the stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of an     unsymmetrical ligand precursor (IIIa) to obtain a heteroleptic     Ir-carbene complex of the general formula Ii. -   (iia) Carbene complex of the general formula Iii -   (iiaa) Reaction of a metal complex comprising at least one metal     M^(1′) in which the at least one metal M^(1′) is Ir with at least     double the stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of a     symmetrical ligand precursor (IIIb) to form a dicarbene complex     which has two symmetrical carbene ligands and a further coordination     site for a further bidentate carbene ligand, and -   (iiab) subsequent reaction of the resulting dicarbene complex with     an at least stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of an     unsymmetrical ligand precursor (IIIa) to obtain a heteroleptic     Ir-carbene complex of the general formula Iii. -   (iib) Carbene complex of the general formula Iii -   (iiba) Reaction of a metal complex comprising at least one metal     M^(1′) in which the at least one metal M^(1′) is Ir with an at least     stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of an unsymmetrical ligand     precursor (IIa) to form a monocarbene complex which has an     unsymmetrical carbene ligand and two further coordination sites for     two further bidentate carbene ligands, and -   (iibb) subsequent reaction of the resulting monocarbene complex with     an at least double the stoichiometric amount, in relation to Ir, of     a symmetrical ligand precursor (IIIb) to obtain a heteroleptic     Ir-carbene complex of the general formula Iii.

In the intermediates formed in steps (iaa), (iba), (iiaa) and (iiba), the particular carbene ligands may be present either in cyclometalated form or in non-cyclometalated form.

The aforementioned mono- and dicarbene complexes can, if appropriate, be isolated or be reacted with the further carbene ligand “in situ”, i.e. without workup.

The ligand precursors of the formula III are prepared by processes known to those skilled in the art. Suitable processes are mentioned, for example, in WO 2005/019373 and the literature cited therein, for example Organic Letters, 1999, 1, 953-956; Angewandte Chemie, 2000, 112, 1672-1674. Further suitable processes are mentioned, for example, in T. Weskamp et al., J. Organometal. Chem. 2000, 600, 12-22; G. Xu et al., Org. Lett. 2005, 7, 4605-4608; V. Lavallo et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 5705-5709. Some of the suitable ligand precursors are commercially available.

The metal complex comprising at least one metal M^(1′) is a metal complex comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ir, Co, Rh, Ni, Pd, Pt, Fe, Ru, Os, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Cu and Au, preferably Ir, Os, Ru, Rh, Pd, Co and Pt, more preferably Ir, Pt, Rh and Os, most preferably Ir, in any oxidation state possible for the corresponding metal atom, preferably Ir(I) or Ir(III). Suitable metal complexes are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable metal complexes are Pt(cod)Cl₂, Pt(cod)Me₂, Pt(acac)₂, Pt(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, PtCl₂, [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, Rh(acac)CO(PPh₃), Rh(acac)(CO)₂, Rh(cod)₂BF₄, RhCl(PPh₃)₃, RhCl₃·nH₂O, Rh(acac)₃, [Os(CO)₃I₂]₂, [Os₃(CO)₁₂], OsH₄(PPH₃)₃, Cp₂Os, Cp*₂Os, H₂OsCl₆·6H₂O, OsCl₃·H₂O), and [(μ-Cl)Ir(η⁴-1,5-cod)]₂, [(μ-Cl)Ir(η²-coe)₂]₂, Ir(acac)₃, IrCl₃·nH₂O, (tht)₃IrCl₃, Ir(η³-allyl)₃, Ir(η³-methallyl)₃, in which cod is cyclooctadiene, coe is cyclooctene, acac is acetylacetonate and tht is tetrahydrothiophene. The metal complexes can be prepared by processes known to those skilled in the art or are commercially available.

In the preparation of iridium(III) complexes of the general formula I (M¹ in formula I is Ir), which are particularly preferred in the present application, the aforementioned iridium(I) or (III) complexes can be used, especially [(μ-Cl)Ir(η⁴-1,5-cod)]₂, [(μ-Cl)Ir(Θ²-coe)₂]₂, Ir(acac)₃, IrCl₃·nH₂O, (tht)₃IrCl₃, Ir(η³-allyl)₃, Ir(η³-methallyl)₃, in which cod is cyclooctadiene, coe is cyclooctene, acac is acetylacetonate and tht is tetrahydrothiophene.

After the reaction, the inventive heteroleptic carbene complex is worked up and, if appropriate, purified by processes known to those skilled in the art. Typically, the workup and purification are effected by extraction, column chromatography and/or recrystallization by processes known to those skilled in the art.

A process for preparing the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula I is detailed below by way of example using the example of the aforementioned reaction (ia) for the preparation of heteroleptic carbene complexes of the general formula Ii:

A further synthesis route (iia) to the preparation of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes is shown below by way of example:

In addition, the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes can be prepared, for example, analogously to WO 2005/113704, the following intermediate being passed through:

The symbols and radicals in the general formulae shown above have each already been defined above.

The inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes are outstandingly suitable as emitter substances, since they have an emission (electroluminescence) in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. With the aid of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as emitter substances, it is possible to provide compounds which exhibit electroluminescence in the red, green and in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum with very good efficiency. At the same time, the quantum yield is high and the stability of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes in the device is high.

In addition, the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes are suitable as electron, exciton or hole blockers, or hole conductors, electron conductors, hole injection layer or matrix material in OLEDs, depending on the ligands used and the central metal used.

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are in principle composed of several layers:

1. Anode (1)

2. Hole-transporting layer (2)

3. Light-emitting layer (3)

4. Electron-transporting layer (4)

5. Cathode (5)

However, it is also possible that the OLED does not have all of the layers mentioned; for example an OLED having the layers (1) (anode), (3) (light-emitting layer) and (5) (cathode) is likewise suitable, in which case the functions of the layers (2) (hole-transporting layer) and (4) (electron-transporting layer) are assumed by the adjacent layers. OLEDs which have the layers (1), (2), (3) and (5), or the layers (1), (3), (4) and (5), are likewise suitable.

The heteroleptic carbene complexes according to the present application may be used in various layers of an OLED. The present invention therefore further provides for the use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and also an OLED comprising at least one inventive heteroleptic carbene complex.

The inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes are used preferably in the light-emitting layer, more preferably as emitter molecules. The present invention therefore further provides a light-emitting layer comprising at least one heteroleptic carbene complex, preferably as an emitter molecule. Preferred heteroleptic carbene complexes have been specified above.

The inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes may be present in bulk—without further additives—in the light-emitting layer or another layer of the OLED, preferably in the light-emitting layer. However, it is likewise possible and preferred that, in addition to the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes, further compounds are present in the layers comprising at least one inventive heteroleptic carbene complex, preferably in the light-emitting layer. For example, a fluorescent dye may be present in the light-emitting layer in order to alter the emission color of the heteroleptic carbene complex used as an emitter molecule. In addition—in a preferred embodiment—a diluent material may be used. This diluent material may be a polymer, for example poly(N-vinylcarbazole) or polysilane. However, the diluent material may likewise be a small molecule, for example 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazolebiphenyl (CDP=CBP) or tertiary aromatic amines.

The individual aforementioned layers of the OLED may in turn be composed of 2 or more layers. For example, the hole-transporting layer may be composed of one layer into which holes are injected from the electrode and one layer which transports the holes from the hole injection layer away into the light-emitting layer. The electron-transporting layer may likewise consist of a plurality of layers, for example one layer in which electrons are injected by the electrode and one layer which receives electrons from the electron injection layer and transports them into the light-emitting layer. These specified layers are each selected according to factors such as energy level, thermal resistance and charge carrier mobility, and also energy differential of the layers mentioned with the organic layers or the metal electrodes. Those skilled in the art are capable of selecting the structure of the OLEDs in such a way that it is adapted optimally to the heteroleptic carbene complexes used in accordance with the invention, preferably as emitter substances.

In order to obtain particularly efficient OLEDs, the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) of the hole-transporting layer should be aligned to the work function of the anode, and the LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) of the electron-transporting layer should be aligned to the work function of the cathode.

The present application further provides an OLED comprising at least one inventive light-emitting layer. The further layers in the OLED may be composed of any material which is typically used in such layers and is known to those skilled in the art.

The anode (1) is an electrode which provides positive charge carriers. It may be composed, for example, of materials which comprise a metal, a mixture of different metals, a metal alloy, a metal oxide or a mixture of different metal oxides. Alternatively, the anode may be a conductive polymer. Suitable metals comprise the metals of groups 11, 4, 5 and 6 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and also the transition metals of groups 8 to 10. When the anode is to be transparent, mixed metal oxides of groups 12, 13 and 14 of the Periodic Table of the Elements are generally used, for example indium tin oxide (ITO). It is likewise possible that the anode (1) comprises an organic material, for example polyaniline, as described, for example, in Nature, Vol. 357, pages 477 to 479 (Jun. 11, 1992). At least either the anode or the cathode should be at least partly transparent in order to be able to emit the light formed.

Suitable hole-transporting materials for the layer (2) of the inventive OLED are disclosed, for example, in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 4th Edition, Vol. 18, pages 837 to 860, 1996. Either hole-transporting molecules or polymers may be used as the hole-transporting material. Customarily used hole-transporting molecules are selected from the group consisting of 4,4′-bis[N-(1-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino]biphenyl (α-NPD), N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (TPD), 1,1-bis[(di-4-tolylamino)phenyl]cyclohexane (TAPC), N, N′-bis(4-methylphenyl)-N, N′-bis(4-ethylphenyl)-[1,1′-(3,3′-dimethyl)biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (ETPD), tetrakis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N,N′,N′-2,5-phenylenediamine (PDA), α-phenyl-4-N, N-diphenylaminostyrene (TPS), p-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde-diphenylhydrazone (DEH), triphenylamine (TPA), bis[4-(N,N-diethylamino)-2-methylphenyl](4-methylphenyl)methane (MPMP), 1-phenyl-3-[p-(diethylamino)styryl]-5-[p-(diethylamino)phenyl]pyrazoline (PPR or DEASP), 1,2-trans-bis(9H-carbazol-9-yl)cyclobutane (DCZB), N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(4-methylphenyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (TTB), 4,4′,4″-tris(N,N-diphenylamino)triphenylamine (TDTA) and porphyrin compounds, and also phthalocyanines such as copper phthalocyanines. Customarily used hole-transporting polymers are selected from the group consisting of polyvinylcarbazoles, (phenylmethyl)polysilanes, PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)), preferably PEDOT doped with PSS (polystyrenesulfonate), and polyanilines. It is likewise possible to obtain hole-transporting polymers by doping hole-transporting molecules into polymers such as polystyrene and polycarbonate. Suitable hole-transporting molecules are the molecules already mentioned above.

Suitable electron-transporting materials for the layer (4) of the inventive OLEDs comprise metals chelated with oxinoid compounds, such as tris(8-hydroxyquinolinolato)aluminum (Alq₃), compounds based on phenanthroline such as 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DDPA=BCP) or 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DPA) and azole compounds such as 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) and 3-(4-biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole (TAZ). The layer (4) may serve both to ease the electron transport and as a buffer layer or as a barrier layer in order to prevent quenching of the exciton at the interfaces of the layers of the OLED. The layer (4) preferably improves the mobility of the electrons and reduces quenching of the exciton.

Of the materials specified above as hole-transporting materials and electron-transporting materials, some can fulfill a plurality of functions. For example, some of the electron-conducting materials are simultaneously hole-blocking materials when they have a low-lying HOMO.

The charge transport layers may also be electronically doped in order to improve the transport properties of the materials used, in order firstly to make the layer thicknesses more generous (avoidance of pinholes/short circuits) and secondly to minimize the operating voltage of the device. For example, the hole-transporting materials may be doped with electron acceptors; for example, phthalocyanines or arylamines such as TPD or TDTA may be doped with tetrafluorotetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ). The electron-transporting materials may, for example, be doped with alkali metals, for example Alq₃ with lithium. Electronic doping is known to those skilled in the art and is disclosed, for example, in W. Gao, A. Kahn, J. Appl. Phys., Vol. 94, No. 1, Jul. 1, 2003 (p-doped organic layers); A. G. Werner, F. Li, K. Harada, M. Pfeiffer, T. Fritz, K. Leo, Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 82, No. 25, Jun. 23, 2003 and Pfeiffer et al., Organic Electronics 2003, 4, 89-103.

The cathode (5) is an electrode which serves to introduce electrons or negative charge carriers. The cathode may be any metal or nonmetal which has a lower work function than the anode. Suitable materials for the cathode are selected from the group consisting of alkali metals of group 1, for example Li, Cs, alkaline earth metals of group 2, metals of group 12 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, comprising the rare earth metals and the lanthanides and actinides. In addition, metals such as aluminum, indium, calcium, barium, samarium and magnesium, and combinations thereof, may be used. In addition, lithium-comprising organometallic compounds or LiF may be applied between the organic layer and the cathode in order to reduce the operating voltage.

The OLED of the present invention may additionally comprise further layers which are known to those skilled in the art. For example, a layer which eases the transport of the positive charge and/or matches the band gaps of the layers to one another may be applied between the layer (2) and the light-emitting layer (3). Alternatively, this further layer may serve as a protective layer. In an analogous manner, additional layers may be present between the light-emitting layer (3) and the layer (4) in order to ease the transport of the negative charge and/or to match the band gaps between the layers to one another. Alternatively, this layer may serve as a protective layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the inventive OLED, in addition to the layers (1) to (5), comprises at least one of the further layers mentioned below:

-   -   a hole injection layer between the anode (1) and the         hole-transporting layer (2);     -   a blocking layer for electrons and/or excitons between the         hole-transporting layer (2) and the light-emitting layer (3);     -   a blocking layer for holes and/or excitons between the         light-emitting layer (3) and the electron-transporting layer         (4);     -   an electron injection layer between the electron-transporting         layer (4) and the cathode (5).

As already mentioned above, it is, however, also possible that the OLED does not have all of the layers (1) to (5) mentioned; for example, an OLED having the layers (1) (anode), (3) (light-emitting layer) and (5) (cathode) is likewise suitable, in which case the functions of the layers (2) (hole-transporting layer) and (4) (electron-transporting layer) are assumed by the adjacent layers. OLEDs which have the layers (1), (2), (3) and (5) or the layers (1), (3), (4) and (5) are likewise suitable.

Those skilled in the art know how suitable materials have to be selected (for example on the basis of electrochemical investigations). Suitable materials for the individual layers and suitable OLED structures are known to those skilled in the art and disclosed, for example, in WO2005/113704.

Furthermore, each of the specified layers of the inventive OLED may be composed of two or more layers. In addition, it is possible that some or all of the layers (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) have been surface-treated in order to increase the efficiency of charge carrier transport. The selection of the materials for each of the layers mentioned is preferably determined by obtaining an OLED having a high efficiency.

The inventive OLED can be produced by methods known to those skilled in the art. In general, the OLED is produced by successive vapor deposition of the individual layers onto a suitable substrate. Suitable substrates are, for example, glass or polymer films. For the vapor deposition, customary techniques may be used, such as thermal evaporation, chemical vapor deposition and others. In an alternative process, the organic layers may be coated from solutions or dispersions in suitable solvents, in which case coating techniques known to those skilled in the art are employed. Compositions which, in addition to the at least one inventive heteroleptic carbene complex, have a polymeric material in one of the layers of the OLED, preferably in the light-emitting layer, are generally applied as a layer by means of solution-mediated processes.

In general, the different layers have the following thicknesses: anode (1) from 500 to 5000 Å, preferably from 1000 to 2000 Å; hole-transporting layer (2) from 50 to 1000 Å, preferably from 200 to 800 Å; light-emitting layer (3) from 10 to 1000 Å, preferably from 100 to 800 Å; electron-transporting layer (4) from 50 to 1000 Å, preferably from 200 to 800 Å; cathode (5) from 200 to 10 000 Å, preferably from 300 to 5000 Å. The position of the recombination zone of holes and electrons in the inventive OLED and thus the emission spectrum of the OLED may be influenced by the relative thickness of each layer. This means that the thickness of the electron transport layer should preferably be selected such that the electron/hole recombination zone is within the light-emitting layer. The ratio of the layer thicknesses of the individual layers in the OLED is dependent upon the materials used. The layer thicknesses of any additional layers used are known to those skilled in the art.

Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes in at least one layer of the inventive OLED, preferably as an emitter molecule in the light-emitting layer of the inventive OLEDs, allows OLEDs with high efficiency to be obtained. The efficiency of the inventive OLEDs may additionally be improved by optimizing the other layers. For example, highly efficient cathodes such as Ca, Ba or LiF may be used. Shaped substrates and novel hole-transporting materials which bring about a reduction in the operating voltage or an increase in the quantum efficiency are likewise usable in the inventive OLEDs. Furthermore, additional layers may be present in the OLEDs in order to adjust the energy level of the different layers and to ease electroluminescence.

The inventive OLEDs may be used in all devices in which electroluminescence is useful. Suitable devices are preferably selected from stationary and mobile visual display units. Stationary visual display units are, for example, visual display units of computers, televisions, visual display units in printers, kitchen appliances and advertising panels, illuminations and information panels. Mobile visual display units are, for example, visual display units in cellphones, laptops, digital cameras, vehicles and destination displays on buses and trains.

In addition, the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes may be used in OLEDs with inverse structure. The inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes are preferably used in these inverse OLEDs again in the light-emitting layer. The structure of inverse OLEDs and the materials customarily used therein are known to those skilled in the art.

The above-described inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes may, in addition to the use in OLEDs, be used as colorants which emit in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum on irradiation by light (photoluminescence).

The present application therefore further provides for the use of the above-described inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes for the bulk coloration of polymeric materials.

Suitable polymeric materials are polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, melamine resins, silicones, polyesters, polyethers, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, polychlorobutadiene, polyisoprene and the copolymers of the monomers listed.

In addition, the above-described inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes may be used in the following applications:

-   -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as or in vat         dye(s), for example for coloring natural materials; examples are         paper, wood, straw, leather, pelts or natural fiber materials         such as cotton, wool, silk, jute, sisal, hemp, flax or animal         hairs (for example horsehair) and their conversion products, for         example viscose fibers, nitrate silk or copper rayon.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as         colorants, for example for coloring paints, varnishes and other         surface coating compositions, paper inks, printing inks, other         inks and other colors for drawing and writing purposes.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as         pigmentary dyes, for example for coloring paints, varnishes and         other surface coating compositions, paper inks, printing inks,         other inks and other colors for drawing and writing purposes.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as pigments         in electrophotography: for example for dry copying systems         (Xerox process) and laser printers.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes for security         marking purposes, for which high chemical and photochemical         stability and, if appropriate, also the luminescence of the         substances is of significance. This is preferably for checks,         check cards, banknotes, coupons, documents, identification         papers and the like, in which a particular, unmistakable color         impression is to be achieved.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as an         additive to other colors in which a particular shade is to be         achieved; preference is given to particularly brilliant colors.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes for marking         articles for machine recognition of these articles using the         luminescence, preferably machine recognition of articles for         sorting, including, for example, for the recycling of plastics.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as         luminescent dyes for machine-readable markings; preference is         given to alphanumeric markings or barcodes.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes for         adjusting the frequency of light, for example to convert         short-wavelength light into longer-wavelength, visible light.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes in display         elements for any kind of display, information and marking         purposes, for example in passive display elements, information         signs and traffic signs, such as traffic lights.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes in inkjet         printers, preferably in homogeneous solution as luminescent ink.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as a         starting material for superconductive organic materials.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes for         solid-state luminescent markings.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes for         decorative purposes.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes for tracer         purposes, for example in biochemistry, medicine, engineering and         natural sciences. In this use, the dyes can be bonded covalently         to substrates or via secondary valences such as hydrogen bonds         or hydrophobic interactions (adsorption).     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as         luminescent dyes in high-sensitivity detection methods (cf. C.         Aubert, J. Fünfschilling, I. Zschocke-Gränacher and H.         Langhals, Z. Analyt. Chem. 320 (1985) 361).     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as         luminescent dyes in scintillation devices.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in optical light-collection systems.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in luminescent solar collectors (cf. Langhals,         Nachr. Chem. Tech. Lab. 28 (1980) 716).     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in luminescence-activated displays (cf. W.         Greubel and G. Baur, Elektronik 26 (1977) 6).     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in cold light sources for light-induced         polymerization for the production of plastics.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes for materials testing, for example in the         production of semiconductor circuits.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes for the investigation of microstructures of         integrated semiconductor components.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in photoconductors.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in photographic processes.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in display, illumination or image conversion         systems, in which excitation occurs by means of electrons, ions         or UV radiation, for example in luminescent displays, Braun         tubes or in fluorescent tubes.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes as part of an integrated semiconductor circuit,         the dyes being used as such or in conjunction with other         semiconductors, for example in the form of epitaxy.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in chemiluminescent systems, for example in         chemiluminescent illumination rods, in luminescent immunoassays         or other luminescent detection methods.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes as signal colors, preferably for the optical         emphasis of inscriptions and drawings or other graphical         products, for individualizing signs and other articles in which         a particular optical color impression is to be achieved.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes or         luminescent dyes in dye lasers, preferably as luminescent dyes         for generating laser beams.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as active         substances for nonlinear optics, for example for frequency         doubling and frequency tripling of laser light.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as rheology         improvers.     -   Use of the inventive heteroleptic carbene complexes as dyes in         photovoltaic applications for the conversion of electromagnetic         radiation to electrical energy.

The examples which follow provide additional illustration of the invention.

EXAMPLES a) Synthesis of Complex K I

In a 1 l three-neck flask, 16.11 g (45 mmol) of benzimidazolium salt S I were suspended in 250 ml of toluene and cooled to −8° C. 90 ml of bis(trimethylsilyl)potassium amide (KHMDS, 0.5M in toluene, 45 mmol) are then added within 30 min. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and then added dropwise at −78° C. to a solution of 15.12 g (22.5 mmol) of [(μ-Cl)Ir(η⁴-1,5-COD)]₂ in 400 ml of toluene within 30 min. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h and then heated at reflux for 18 h. After cooling, the precipitate is filtered off and washed with toluene. The combined toluene phases are concentrated to dryness and purified by column chromatography. 13.4 g (49%) of yellow powder are obtained.

¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, 500 MHz): δ=7.96 (m, 4H), 7.51 (m, 6H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.18 (m, 2H) (je CH_(Ph)), 4.31 (m, 2H, CH_(cod)), 2.43 (m, 2H, CH_(cod)), 1.61 (m, 2H), 1.34 (m, 4H), 1.17 (m, 2H) (je CH_(2,cod)).

¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, 125 MHz): δ=191.5 (NCN), 137.0, 135.0 (Cq), 128.1, 127.8, 127.1, 122.5, 110.0 (CH_(Ph)), 84.5, 51.4 (je CH_(cod)), 32.1, 28.1 (je CH_(2,cod)).

b) Synthesis of Complex K II

13.74 g (44.16 mmol) of imidazolium iodide S II are suspended in 200 ml of THF and admixed at −8° C. with 88.32 ml of bis(trimethylsilyl)potassium amide (0.5M in toluene, 44.16 mmol) within 30 min. The suspension is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and then added dropwise at −78° C. to a solution of 4.94 g (7.36 mmol) of [(μ-Cl)Ir(η⁴-1,5-COD)]₂ in 360 ml of THF within 30 min. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h and under reflux for 17 h. After cooling, the precipitate is filtered off, washed with THF, H₂O and methanol, and dried. 4.02 g (34%) of orange powder are obtained.

¹H NMR (DMSO, 500 MHz): δ=8.09 (d, ³J_(H,H)=7.8 Hz, 4H, CH_(ph)), 7.53 (d, ³J_(H,H)=7.8 Hz, 4H, CH_(ph)), 7.46 (s, 2H, NCHCHN), 7.34 (s, 2H, NCHCHN), 4.64 (m, 2H, CH_(cod)), 3.58 (m, 2H, CH_(cod)), 3.06 (s, 6H, NCH₃), 2.33-2.01 (m, 4H, CH_(2,cod)), 1.76-1.1.59 (m, 4H, CH_(2,cod)).

c) Synthesis of Complex K III (Route 1)

6.9 ml of bis(trimethylsilyl)potassium amide (KHMDS, 0.5M in toluene, 3.45 mmol) are then added within 10 min. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for a half hour and then added dropwise to a mixture of 1.37 g (1.73 mmol) of K II and 0.34 g (1.73 mmol) of silver tetrafluoroborate in 90 ml of dioxane within 20 min. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and then heated at reflux for 21 h. After cooling, the precipitate is filtered off and washed with dioxane. The filtrate is freed from the solvent and with extracted methylene chloride. 0.38 g (27%) of yellow powder is obtained from the extract after column chromatography purification.

d) Synthesis of Complex K III (Route 2)

2.31 g (7.38 mmol) of imidazolium salt S II are suspended in 135 ml of dioxane. 14.8 ml of bis(trimethylsilyl)potassium amide (KHMDS, 0.5M in toluene, 7.40 mmol) are then added within 10 min. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and then added dropwise to a mixture of 1.5 g (2.46 mmol) of K I and 0.48 g (2.46 mmol) of silver tetrafluoroborate in 90 ml of dioxane within 20 min. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and then heated at reflux for 21 h. After cooling, the precipitate is filtered off and washed with dioxane. The filtrate is freed from the solvent and with extracted methylene chloride. 0.70 g (34%) of slightly yellowish powder is obtained from the extract after column chromatography purification.

¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂, 500 MHz): δ=2.44 (s, 3H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 6.21-6.23 (m, 1H), 6.26 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 6.51 (dd, J=7.3 Hz, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 6.59-6.60 (m, 1H), 6.72 (dt, J=7.3 Hz, J=1.1 Hz, 1H), 6.77 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.81-6.82 (m, 1H), 6.85-6.87 (m, 1H), 7.06-7-19 (m, 4H), 7.21-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H).

¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂, 126 MHz): δ=36.5 (CH₃), 37.5 (CH₃), 108.02 (C_(q), CN), 108.04 (C_(q), CN), 110.5 (CH), 110.9 (CH), 111.2 (CH), 111.7 (CH), 113.0 (CH), 114.6 (CH), 115.1 (CH), 121.0 (C_(q)), 121.1 (C_(q)), 121.66 (CH), 121.73 (CH), 121.8 (CH), 122.7 (CH), 123.8 (CH), 125.3 (CH), 126.3 (CH), 126.5 (CH), 126.7 (CH), 128.6 (CH), 128.8 (CH), 129.1 (CH), 130.0 (CH), 132.7 (C_(q)), 137.4 (CH), 138.2 (C_(q)), 138.4 (C_(q)), 140.2 (CH), 141.3 (CH), 147.2 (C_(q)), 149.1 (C_(q)), 149.7 (C_(q)), 150.7 (C_(q)), 151.17 (C_(q)), 151.23 (C_(q)), 176.6 (C_(q), NCN), 177.5 (C_(q), NCN), 187.1 (C_(q), NCN).

e) Optical Spectroscopy

Photoluminescence (polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films doped with 2% by weight of the particular carbene complex)

Emission wavelength Quantum yield

390 nm 15%

460 nm 78%

450 nm 78% * for preparation, see Ir complex (7) in the application WO 05/019373 ** for preparation, see German application 102004057072.8, filed on: 11.25.2004, title: ″Verwendung von Übergangsmetall-Carbenkomplexen in organischen Licht-emittierenden Dioden (OLEDs)″ [Use of transition metal-carbene complexes in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)]

f) Production of an OLED

The ITO substrate used as the anode is first cleaned with commercial detergents for LCD production (Deconex® 20NS and neutralizer 25ORGAN-ACID®) and then in an acetone/isopropanol mixture in an ultrasound bath. To remove possible organic residues, the substrate is exposed to a continuous ozone flow in an ozone oven for a further 25 minutes. This treatment also improves the hole injection properties of the ITO.

Thereafter, the organic materials specified below are applied to the cleaned substrate by vapor deposition at a rate of approx. 2-3 nm/min at about 10⁻⁷ mbar. The hole conductor and exciton blocker applied to the substrate is Ir(dpbic)₃ with a thickness of 20 nm.

(for preparation, see Ir complex (7) in the application WO 05/019373).

Subsequently, a mixture of 30% by weight of the compound

and 70% by weight of the compound

(for preparation, see German application 102005014284.2, filed on: Mar. 24, 2005, title: “Verwendung von Verbindungen, welche aromatische oder heteroaromatische über Carbonyl-Gruppen enthaltende Gruppen verbundene Ringe enthalten, als Matrixmaterialien in organischen Leuchtdioden” [Use of compounds which comprise aromatic or heteroaromatic rings bonded via groups comprising carbonyl groups as matrix materials in organic light-emitting diodes]) is applied by vapor deposition in a thickness of 20 nm, the former compound functioning as an emitter, the latter as a matrix material.

Subsequently, the material

(for preparation, see German application 102004057073.6, filed on: Nov. 25, 2004, title: “Verwendung von Phenothiazin-S-oxiden und-S,S-dioxiden als Matrixmaterialien fir organische Leuchtdioden” [Use of phenothiazine S-oxides and S,S-dioxides as matrix materials for organic light-emitting diodes]) is applied by vapor deposition with a thickness of 9 nm as an exciton and hole blocker.

Next, an electron transporter TPBI (1,3,5-tris(N-phenylbenzylimidazol-2-yl)benzene) is applied by vapor deposition in a thickness of 40 nm, as are a 0.75 nm-thick lithium fluoride layer and finally a 110 nm-thick Al electrode.

To characterize the OLED, electroluminescence spectra are recorded at different currents and voltages. In addition, the current-voltage characteristic is measured in combination with the emitted light output. The light output can be converted to photometric parameters by calibration with a photometer.

For the OLED described, the following electrooptical data are obtained:

Emission maximum 456 nm CIE(x, y) 0.155; 0.12 Photometric efficiency at 4 V 9.6 cd/A Power efficiency at 4 V 7.5 Im/W External quantum yield at 4 V 9.7% Luminance at 7 V 1500 cd/m² 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A heteroleptic carbene complex of the general formula (I) M¹[carbene]_(n)  (I) comprising at least two different carbene ligands, wherein the symbols are each defined as follows: M¹ is Ir(III) n is 3 wherein the first of the at least two different carbene ligands has the general formula:

and the second of the at least two different carbene ligands has the general formula:

wherein Q is CF₃ or CN; Y³ is an alkyl group having 1, 2, or 3 carbon atoms; and Ar¹ is a phenyl group.
 2. The heteroleptic carbene complex of claim 1, wherein the first of the at least two different carbene ligands has one of the following structures:


3. An organic light-emitting diode comprising at least one heteroleptic carbene complex according to according to claim
 1. 4. A device selected from the group consisting of stationary visual display units, and mobile visual display units comprising at least the organic light emitting diode according to claim
 3. 5. A light-emitting layer comprising at least one heteroleptic carbene complex according to according to claim
 1. 6. An organic light emitting diode comprising at least one light-emitting layer according to claim
 5. 